1. Pacific Espresso Brownies

Brownies have to be one of the best ways to enjoy cocoa, and Pacific Foods’ Organic Oat Beverage adds that extra bit of flair that totally sets this recipe apart. Making them for someone who’s vegan? All you need is dairy-free chocolate chips and this recipe is complete!

2. Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream Cake

If you’re a fan of ice cream cake, then this is the one to try! With a cookie crust and some deliciously decadent ice cream, you might think you’ve got all you need. However, this recipe really comes to life with the addition of Monin’s Dark Chocolate and Caramel sauces.

3. Chocolate Chai Fondue

Chocolate fondue is a classic. Most of us have probably skewered a piece of fruit or pound cake and delighted in the chocolatey treat. But we kick it up a notch with this recipe. David Rio’s Tiger Spice Chai livens up the traditional flavor for an experience you won’t soon forget.

4. Chocolate Amaretto Torte

This is not your typical cake. It’s a nutty, moist, death-by-chocolate dessert that will soon have you writing poetry in its name. We suggest “Ode to Torani” as a title for your next one.

5. Charcoal Banana Frappe

This recipe is brilliant in its simplicity. Even if you’e running a little low on supplies, it shouldn’t be hard to scrounge up the few ingredients that this frappe calls for. And if you’re in need of some MOCAFE Charcoal Mocha, be sure to give Houston’s a call.

6. Pirouline Napoleon

There are a number of layers to this light and fluffy tower, but we promise that the end result is SO worth it. A little fruit, a bit of whipped cream, and the crisp goodness of Pirouline Chocolate Hazelnut Wafers unite for a morsel that shows you really worked to impress!

7. Hollander Super Moist Chocolate Cake

What at first seems to be mere chocolate cake is hiding a secret ingredient in plain sight. This recipe doesn’t call for any simple sauce; Hollander’s Dutched sauce is drizzled over this masterpiece. We’re certain that once you’ve tasted it, you’ll know why it makes all the difference to use Hollander.

8. Chocolate Covered Cherries

Valentine’s Day is no fun unless you’ve got enough treats to last long after it’s over. That’s precisely what this recipe offers. With 60 Oregon Cherry Growers Maraschino Cherries drenched in dough and chocolate, that sweet tooth should be covered for a few days at least.

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The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is known as the largest foodservice trade association in the world, supporting over 500,000 restaurant businesses, constantly empowering owners and operators to learn and achieve more. Every year, the NRA holds an event, the size and scale of which is comparable to its worldwide reach. This past May marked the NRA Show’s 99th annual event, and it was held in Chicago’s McCormick Place, a 715,000 sq. ft. venue full of the best and brightest stars of the foodservice industry.

Of course, Houston’s was in attendance to see what incredible new products our partners had to showcase and to better inform the decisions we make in pursuit of growth. From janitorial products, food storage, tableware, and food safety, to the newest consumable products, there was no shortage of awe-inspiring innovation that was perfectly in line with the trends we expect to see becoming more and more popular.

Layering & Melamine

In the world of tabletop design, we partner with some of the best names who are constantly predicting and manufacturing around rising trends. This year, we saw bold approaches to design layering from Libbey, Oneida, and Cardinal/Dudson, matching some of their intricately designed pieces with others in more base but complementary colors and styles.

Libbey was showing off quite a bit of color this year, displaying a wide range of styles, in part to celebrate the company’s 200th anniversary. We got to see the Dulcet collection, a set of hand-brushed stoneware china colored in pink, cream, and grey. We were also introduced to the Master’s Gauge of flatware, a high end collection that comes in a variety of finishes, even one that features a vibrant chromatic surface.

Libbey displayed its foray into the world of melamine, a trend that was difficult to ignore over the course of the entire NRA Show. This premium plastic and aluminum tableware offers a lightweight alternative to similar styles, but more importantly is a highly durable material that promises to cut down on replacement rates. TableCraft was also showing off its melamine lineup by offering an exhaustive supply of their product in various shapes and styles. Ramekins, skillets, salad bowls, and even displayware! Do you need any further proof that this material is taking over?

Style on the Tabletop

It’s clear that certain styles have a way of coming back around. Libbey, not wanting to let its birthday pass by without paying a little nod to its heritage, displayed some context for how glassware had been historically crafted. This was alongside its 1924 line, a glass collection that fuses jazz-age style with modern day cocktail trends.

International Tableware (ITI) is innovating the tabletop in other ways. By offering more sloped plate options, ITI is blurring the lines between plates and wide bowls to beautiful effect. Some of their designs look like artistic sculptures, suggesting that wide bowls may be the new plate.

Having only just announced that they would be merging the week of NRA, Arc Cardinal and Dudson’s partnership has already begun to bear fruit in some gorgeous ways. One element that proved very popular was the introduction of some new additions to the Sequence collection, as well as Dudson’s foam spray-on pattern for a new 37-piece fine china set. We can’t wait to see what else this new combination can create.

Environmentally-Focused

Recycling and reusability are BIG right now, and Thunder Group has decided to make both a priority. That’s why the company is now offering ramekins that are made from recycled plastic, as well as plastic utensils that are capable of withstanding high heat environments, significantly extending their usable lifespan. These small shifts are important to an environmentally-conscious consumer and are likely to become more popular as time goes on.

Gessner has also been investing in increasing the reusability of its products by crafting drinkware made from polycarbonate plastic. This scratch-resistant and nigh unbreakable drinkware is also extremely affordable and ready for any retailer looking for a product that looks just like real glass. With a spectacular durability and a wide range of styles to choose from, Gessner aims to redefine the premium glassware market.

WNA/Eco Products is another company taking a cue from the rising environmentally-friendly tide. Seeing the growing resistance to plastic straws as an opportunity, Eco Products is introducing straws that are completely compostable. In a world that is quickly banning the sale of plastic straws, getting ahead of this phenomenon may be a recipe for success, and also the right thing to do.

Healthy Food & Beverage Options

With a focus on healthy eating and a dash of pure innovative thinking, we were introduced to some very intriguing and somewhat surprising new products at NRA Show 2018. For starters, Modern Oats was displaying its newest Premium Oatmeal, a new,organic food product aimed at providing flavor without sacrificing nutrition. Crafted completely gluten-free, organic certified, and with only 5 grams of added sugar, this product is set to shine bright.

Two Leaves and a Bud was also at NRA, featuring its incredible matcha lineup. Their greener than usual matcha blend is grown using the “true shade” Japanese method, which results in a much more fragrant flavor that isn’t too sweet. To really drive the traditional nature of their matcha, Two Leaves even paired their display with adorable Japanese “lucky cat” figurines.

MOCAFE has been of a similar mindset, focusing on exceptional taste and a product that health-minded consumers will be proud to put into their bodies. The Activated Charcoal Mocha Mix may at first seem off-putting by its dark nature, but it is surprisingly delightful and certain to persuade anyone with doubt in their mind. Made from real charcoaled coconut shells and combined with cocoa, this bold new mix offers the detoxifying properties of activated charcoal while also introducing an exciting spin on traditional lattes and frappes.

Cold, Hard Convenience

Few trends in the specialty coffee industry are taking off quite as quickly as cold brew. That’s why Kohana has introduced its own cold brew coffee concentrates and ready-to-drink cans. Whether you’re a consumer or a retailer, Kohana wants you to know that cold brew can be convenient and delicious!

Cold brewing is branching out even further with nitro brews, and iSi wants to be at the forefront. This NRA, we were introduced to the company’s new Nitro Whip dispenser and Nitro Charger, two products that promise to simplify the process of creating nitro brew beverages of any sort, whether it be coffee, tea, or even cocktails. Now, anyone can join the nitro sensation for a much lower cost than the price of expensive taps and gas tanks. Plus, these dispensers are just fun to watch in action!

As a redistributor in the foodservice industry, Houston’s finds itself in a unique position to compare our own research with that of the companies who partner with us, and to come to a greater understanding of what makes for practical and successful business decisions. Together, we can assess what the markets are demanding, whether they are solutions for healthier living, a greater sense of responsibility for the environment, or even something as simple as a shift in fashion and taste. Events such as the NRA Show are opportunities for people of all corners of the foodservice industry to come together and share their ideas in one place. You can be sure that we’ve taken note of some of those spectacular new ideas.

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Unfamiliar with SCAA? – “The Global Specialty Coffee Expo was designed to be the coffee professional’s one stop shop for everything they need to succeed in the coffee industry. As the industry’s standard setter, the SCA has built a solid reputation over the last 30 years of providing the most up to date, qualified information and providing our members the tools to succeed. ”

Here is a list of our vendors that will be at the show:

Torani® – Booth #1244

Flavor seekers around the globe enjoy Torani® in their favorite beverages every day. And Torani® has continued to stay on the creative edge with new product lines and ideas for the last 80 years.

Monin® – Booth #2519

Monin®’s sole purpose is to create flavors that people around the world can easily use in their everyday life.  Founder Georges Monin’s motto La Passion de la Qualit® (“Passion for Quality”) became the Monin® slogan.

Dr. Smoothie® – Booth #840

Dr. Smoothie® formulates its beverages with your health in mind to maximize the benefits to your body. Functional beverages are what Dr. Smoothie® is all about since 1997.

Mocafe™ – Booth #606

Innovative Beverage Concepts Inc., creators of Mocafé™, has been a leader in developing award winning cafe beverages since 1996. Come taste and compare the difference real ingredients make.

Urnex Brands® – Booth #1438 

Urnex® doesn’t make coffee or coffee equipment; it helps make them better. With over four generations of experience, Urnex® is the world leader in specialty cleaning products for coffee and espresso equipment.

Cappuccine® – Booth #1005

Many people don’t know that Cappuccine® created the first blended iced coffee mix over 15 years ago. Today, its product line consists of more than 20 gourmet flavors that are proudly served all over the world.

David Rio Chai and Tea™ – Booth #939

David Rio™ makes chai because it is inspired by traditional Indian milk tea, and it set out to blend Eastern traditions with Western style to create America’s Premier Chai.

Pacific® Natural Foods – Booth #1542

Pacific® Foods has one simple goal – to make tasty, healthy foods with integrity. Making foods it can be proud of is as much about the ingredients it uses and the way those ingredients are grown, as it is the actual recipe. And GMO’s? Not on Pacific® Foods’ watch.

Vitamix® – Booth #304

Since 1921, The Vitamix® Corporation has been an award-winning innovator in blending technology. It is a quality-based organization creating, producing, and marketing high performance, durable, reliable, and innovative equipment.0

Espresso Supply – Booth #1142

Espresso Supply, Inc. has used its expertise to develop a full line of espresso accessories and small wares designed to facilitate the operation of an espresso bar or coffee business.

Kerry Big Train / Oregon Chai – Booth #946

Kerry is a known innovator in the food and beverage industry. Kerry shakes up the industry with its unique approach and inventive solutions in beverage, coatings, and seasonings providing consumer driven, operationally friendly menu solutions.

Two Leaves And A Bud – Booth #2204

Two Leaves and a Bud is an independent tea company known internationally for producing organic and fairly traded whole leaf tea sachets, iced tea, and now traditional teabags from their Paisley Label Tea collection. They take tea personally and are passionate about connecting tea lovers to the tea they love and introducing new tea drinkers to truly great tea.

Frozen Bean – Booth #1539

Frozen Bean is the leading premium beverage mix provider, providing delicious gourmet beverages and specialty desserts that are easy to make. Their passion is to create the finest beverages, using only the highest quality ingredients sourced from around the world.

Monbana Chocolaterie, USA – Booth #643

Monbana has combined a respect for tradition and a continuous passion for chocolate innovation through selecting the finest ingredients and the very best varieties of cocoa from Ivory Coast. Creator of chocolate squares to accompany coffee, Monbana is also famous in the HoReCa sector for its excellence of its indulgent chocolate drinks.

Zojirushi – Booth #1004

Zojirushi Corporation began operation more than 90 years ago with the launch of its first glass-lined vacuum bottle. Improving customers’ quality of life through creation of innovative products remains the heart of Zojirushi’s corporate philosophy.

Service Ideas – Booth #2105

Since 1946, Service Ideas has been an innovative worldwide provider in the service industry. Today, Service Ideas continues to push forward with an uncompromising commitment to provide quality products and service to our ever-expanding audience.

Remember, if any of these vendors have new products you need in your restaurant or warehouse, call Houston’s to see how we can help!

Credit: All of the above company descriptions were paraphrased from the vendor’s website linked to the vendor name. Logos courtesy of our vendors.

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Torani® – Booth #829

Flavor seekers around the globe enjoy Torani® in their favorite beverages every day. And Torani has continued to stay on the creative edge with new product lines and ideas for the last 80 years.

Dr. Smoothie® – Booth #1408

Dr. Smoothie® formulates its beverages with your health in mind to maximize the benefits to your body. Functional beverages are what Dr. Smoothie® is all about since 1997.

Monin®– Booth #1203

Monin®’s sole purpose is to create flavors that people around the world can easily use in their everyday life.  Founder Georges Monin’s motto La Passion de la Qualit® (“Passion for Quality”) became the Monin® slogan.

Pacific® Foods – Booth #1736

Pacific® Foods has one simple goal- to make tasty, healthy foods with integrity. Making foods it can be proud of is as much about the ingredients it uses and the way those ingredients are grown, as it is the actual recipe. And GMO’s? Not on Pacific® Foods’ watch.

David Rio™ – Booth #1536

David Rio™, makes chai because it is inspired by traditional Indian milk tea, and it set out to blend Eastern traditions with Western style to create America’s Premier Chai.

Urnex® – Booth #1409

Urnex® doesn’t make coffee or coffee equipment; it helps make them better. With over four generations of experience, Urnex® is the world leader in specialty cleaning products for coffee and espresso equipment.

Mocafé™ – Booth #429

Innovative Beverage Concepts Inc., creators of Mocafé™, has been a leader in developing award winning cafe beverages since 1996. Come taste and compare the difference real ingredients make.

Vitamix® – Booth #707

Since 1921, The Vitamix® Corporation has been an award-winning innovator in blending technology. It is a quality-based organization creating, producing, and marketing high performance, durable, reliable, and innovative equipment.

Espresso Supply Inc. – Booth #1137

Espresso Supply, Inc. has used its expertise to develop a full line of espresso accessories and small wares designed to facilitate the operation of an espresso bar or coffee business.

Cappuccine® – Booth #813

Many people don’ know that Cappuccine® created the first blended iced coffee mix over 15 years ago. Today, its product line consists of more than 20 gourmet flavors that are proudly served all over the world.

Add a Scoop™ – Booth #1621

The Add a Scoop™ by Smoothie Essentials line of products fits an active life style. Being a powder they travel well – from hikes to back packing to vacations. Add a Scoop™ Blends are a wide range of functional supplements; see which one works for you.

The Frozen Bean – Booth #1808

The Frozen Bean, their passion is to create the finest beverages, using only the highest quality ingredients sourced from around the world.

Zojirushi – Booth #817

Zojirushi Corporation began operation more than 90 years ago with the launch of its first glass-lined vacuum bottle. Improving customers’ quality of life through creation of innovative products remains the heart of Zojirushi’s corporate philosophy.

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods – Booth #1813

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods offers 15 flavors of oatmeal and 5 flavors of muesli. All of its artisan products are made with certified gluten-free oats, non-GMO, all-natural and kosher certified ingredients.

Remember, if any of these vendors have hot new products you need in your restaurant or warehouse, call Houston’s to see how we can help.

Credit: All of the above company descriptions were paraphrased from the vendor’s website linked to the vendor name. The logos are also courtesy of the vendors.

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